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| New Mohawk translation of the Bible published |
Canada is rejoicing this month as the completion of the Mohawk translation of the Bible is celebrated. This monumental achievement, spanning over 17 years, was primarily the labor of love of Harvey Satewas Gabriel, hailing from Kanesatake, Quebec.
Gabriel's journey began by building upon the foundation laid by his great-grandfather, Rev. Joseph Swan, known as Sosé Onasakenrat, who first translated the Gospels into Mohawk in the mid-1800s. While Gabriel's ancestor's work was commendable, it wasn't until 1999 that a group of retired teachers initiated the translation of 2 Corinthians, Esther, Ruth, and Proverbs into the Mohawk language.
However, it was Gabriel who took on the formidable task of translating the remaining 58 books of the Bible, a laborious undertaking that he pursued with unwavering dedication.
The completion of this significant project would not have been possible without the support of various organizations, including the Kanesatake United Church, the Canadian Bible Society, the United Church of Canada Foundation, and the Mohawk Council of Kanestatake. The translation project was a true testament to the collaborative efforts of the community.
Harvey Gabriel's wife, Susan Gabriel, shared his profound commitment to the cause, saying, "Harvey's primary focus is 'The Word,' especially in Mohawk Language. His favorite passage from the Bible is First John, 'In the beginning was the Word.' He always remembers the first time he heard that in church, and he asked his mother why we don't have a Mohawk Bible."
This question remained a driving force in Harvey Gabriel's life, and when asked by ministers to provide translations of short Scriptures, he willingly complied and read them in church services. Susan Gabriel expressed her husband's joy at having the entire Bible now translated, printed, and accessible to all Mohawks. She believes that this accomplishment ensures that the Mohawk language will endure for generations to come.
What's remarkable is that the profits generated from the sale of the Mohawk Bible will be channeled towards Indigenous language projects. This not only promotes the preservation of the Mohawk language but also contributes to the broader cause of revitalizing Indigenous languages across Canada.
To commemorate this extraordinary achievement, a dedication ceremony for the Mohawk Bible is scheduled to take place at the Kanesatake United Church. Following the dedication, a celebratory dinner, hosted by the Canadian Bible Society, will be held in Caledonia, Ontario, on September 26th. This event is not only a celebration of faith but also a testament to the enduring spirit of preserving languages and cultures.
In a world where languages and cultures are at risk of fading into obscurity, Harvey Satewas Gabriel's relentless dedication to translating the Bible into Mohawk stands as a beacon of hope. It's a testament to the power of faith, community, and the enduring value of preserving one's heritage.
